2013-2014 Canyon Hall of Fame Inductees
Coach Gary “The Bear” Bowden
Wrestling, Faculty, Principal
Gary “The Bear” Bowden achieved legendary status in the wrestling community after his teams earned 19 Century League Championships (including 14 consecutive titles) and 5 CIF Southern Section Championships. In addition, Bowden’s teams were ranked #1 in Orange County at the end of seven seasons. During one stretch, Canyon’s wrestling teams amassed a mind-boggling, five-year dual meet record of 86-0, which included 16 Section champions, 12 State placers, and 3 CIF State Champions.
Courtney Mathewson
Water Polo, CHS Alumnus 2004
During her tenure as a Comanche, Mathewson set the CIF record for the most goals in a high school career with 452 and was named the Century League Athlete of the Year in 2004. After graduating, she attended UCLA where she became a four-time NCAA Champion, two-time All-American, and was named the NCAA Player of the Year in 2008. Following college, she enjoyed a professional career that was highlighted by a gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics.
Steve Scarsone
Baseball, CHS Alumnus 1984
Scarsone led the Comanche baseball team to the 1984 CIF Championship and was subsequently drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies. During his MLB career, Scarsone played for the Giants, Royals, Orioles, and Cardinals and the Phillies. He continued his career as a manager in the Oakland A’s system and has helped produce dozens of Major League players.
Brian Nestande
CA State Assemblyman, CHS Alumnus 1982
After graduating from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in Political Science, Nestande became the congressional campaign manager for Sony Bono. Following Bono’s death in 1998, he served as Congresswoman Mary Bono’s Chief of Staff until launching his own political career in 2000. In 2008, Nestande became a California State Assemblyman in the 42nd district and then ran for Congress in 2013.
